Skip to main content Accessibility statement

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

By clicking the Accept button, you agree to us doing so. More info on our cookie policy.

Histories of Northamptonshire
View in timeline

Iron Age Torc

Iron Age 800 BCE - 43 AD Geologic to Prehistoric

Lead torc worn around the neck of an Iron Age woman. Found during excavation of a rare human Iron Age burial.

Iron Age lead torc © NMAG
Iron Age lead torc
Iron Age Torc burial © Andy Chapman
Iron Age Torc burial

Made of lead, this Iron Age torc was found around the neck of a female skeleton buried at Great Houghton.

The torc is made of lead-tin alloy, perhaps intended to appear like silver. This suggests that the woman who wore it was highly respected within her community and given the torc as a sign of honour. However, her body was not treated with respect and was found face down, pressed tightly against the edge of the grave, with wrists together and knees bent, suggesting that she was bound. As burial of the dead was uncommon in the Iron Age, with most bodies being left to the elements, this grave likely held ritual significance, possibly a human sacrifice, with the torc intended to accompany her into the afterlife.

Number 17 of the objects selected for the A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects Exhibition 2025

Great Houghton
Contributed by NMAG

Explore related content (external site)

See our disclaimer

Previous object
Next object

Related objects

  • Gold and precious stone jewelled brooch or hat pin dating to mid-15th century © Victoria and Albert Museum
    Medieval to Tudor

    Brigstock Jewel

    Mid-15th century jewelled brooch or hat pin found in Brigstock, within the medieval Rockingham Forest which covered large areas of Northamptonshire.

  • Bronze Age pottery vessel or Beaker © NMAG
    Geologic to Prehistoric

    Bronze Age Beaker

    HIghly decorated pottery vessel, known as a Beaker pot. Found as part of a male burial marked by a Bronze Age round barrow.

  • Iron Age reaping hook - iron blade with bone handle © NMAG
    Geologic to Prehistoric

    Iron Age Reaping Hook

    A well preserved reaping hook, on one hand an everyday farming implement, on the other a symbol of prehistoric farming.

  • Bronze Age ceramic spoon © NMAG
    Geologic to Prehistoric

    Bronze Age Spoon

    A rare Bronze Age Ceramic spoon found in a cremation burial found during excavations in Middleton Cheney.